Tony Pulis takes blame for West Brom defeat to Man City
Thursday 13 August 2015 10:36, UK
Tony Pulis admitted his tactics were to blame as West Brom suffered a 3-0 home defeat to Manchester City in their opening match of the Premier League season.
The visitors were 2-0 up after only 24 minutes thanks to a brace from Yaya Toure before Vincent Kompany’s second-half header sealed a comfortable victory for City on Monday night.
And Pulis said afterwards that he made a big mistake in starting with both Saido Berahino and Rickie Lambert in attack, rather than playing an extra midfielder.
“I take responsibility for the way we set up,” the West Brom boss told Sky Sports.
“The fact we had Saido and Rickie, who played really well together, pulled us away from what we really should do. I said to them afterwards I would take responsibility for that.
“We needed to be a little bit more solid. David Silva was controlling the game and looked really dangerous and we never got to grips with that.
“City were the better team tonight and without trying to put any blame on anyone else I think, as a manager, I look at it and if I had my time again I’d probably do it differently. But that’s management.
“The pivotal moment was the time I decided to play two up front and not the extra one in midfield and you go away from what you’ve always stuck by.
“I just had a feeling for those two tonight and wanted to be positive in the first home game, but I learned my lesson.”
The pivotal moment was the time I decided to play two up front and not the extra one in midfield.
On a brighter note for West Brom fans, new signing Solomon Rondon was introduced to the crowd before kick-off after he sealed a club record move from Zenit St Petersburg.
And Pulis promised more signings are on the way – but remained tight-lipped about his transfer targets.
“We know what we need,” he added.
“The chairman has been very good. We are after quite a few targets and there will be players that leave the football club as well. We have to make sure we do our business without anyone else knowing and get it done. Hopefully we will get it done.
“The signing of Solomon Rondon gives us the pace and the power we need at home against the bigger teams.
“Nobody likes playing against pace and power. He will be a good addition and will take time to settle in. If we get the others in then we’ll be stronger again.”
